Editorial roundup: How do we address abysmal voter turnout

If you're reading this column, you're more likely to have voted in Tuesday's primary than most Michiganders, but you still represent but a sliver of registered voters. What follows are a couple ideas on how we might change that. We'd like to hear your ideas as well.

Move the primary

from The Detroit News

One way to boost voter participation would be to move the date of the primary. Michigan is one of 16 states that holds an August primary. Most states hold their nominating votes in May or early June, while a few wait until September.

In neighboring Ohio, where the primary is in May, turnout runs usually at 30 percent or higher, though it has tapered some in recent years. That's not great, but it is better than in Michigan, where primary turnout always struggles to push above 20 percent.

Early August is still vacation season in Michigan; the kids haven't returned to school and those with summer homes are still away. There are too many other activities competing for the attention of voters.

At the very least, Michigan should consider legislation banning from the ballot tax issues in low-turnout elections. A number of Michigan communities and school districts are asking for more tax dollars today - including a large increase for Wayne County school districts. Those pocketbook decisions should not be decided by such a small percentage of the voters.

Time to find a better way

In Detroit, where about 40 percent of residents rent, and thus move more frequently, a more effective effort might mean ensuring that residents' voter registration is up to date. "What we need to do is go door to door and ask people's names and where are they registered, and (if they've moved recently) get their registration straightened out," Grebner said.

More than 60 percent of Detroiters who vote are women, Grebner said - it's also important to think about the reasons men might not cast ballots.

Detroit NAACP Executive Director Donnell White says don't discount energizing established voters. He also says that lawn signs and campaign literature create awareness in the public consciousness that an election is happening. The NAACP's Arrive With 5 campaign encourages engaged, active voters to bring at least five friends or neighbors to the polls.

Still, just 1.4 million Michiganders are expected to cast ballots in Tuesday's primary - an election that will essentially decide several congressional races, a county executive race, a host of state legislative contests and several ballot proposals - it's hard to deny that the tactics we're using aren't working. It's time to find a better way.